The big and the small - Ricky Misiti gets serious as tempers flare in the reserves game, while little Rhys Clarke can just be seen trying to go in as peacemaker.

Teams and their coaches get a bit sick of ‘‘honourable losses’’ if they happen too often, but Seymour’s senior football side shouldn’t be disheartened by a 45-point defeat against the reigning premier on Saturday.

The Lions played most of the game with just two on the bench and then the final quarter with no interchange while injury struck at Kyabram.

Yet despite that, and an average first quarter, Seymour matched it with the benchmark side — and had the better of long periods of play.

Kyabram had greater polish with the ball but a Lions midfield working overtime — yet again well led by Brett Meredith but with great support from Harry Wheeler (14 tackles), Tom Freeman and the Scopel brothers — more than held its own in the contests.

Seymour welcomed back Jason Cole but had to shuffle the rest of the side around. Paul Colbert continued to be troubled by his knees and was unsure when he will be back playing, Ash Walsh was sent forward with Tim O’Keefe and defender Nathan Perrine was rewarded for good reserves form.